You will learn a lot on the samba.
TheSamba.com :: View Forum - Vanagon/Eurovan
You should also know about Gowesty in Los Osos and Van Cafe in Santa Cruz. The Gowesty website has dozens of good tech articles.
Van Cafe Vanagon Parts Store for Volkswagen
Home - GoWesty Camper Products - parts supplier for VW Vanagon, Eurovan, and Bus
More tech articles on a site called "been there done that".
- Been There Done That - Vanagon Tips and Tricks from the Vanagon Mailing List
While Subaru engines are a good way to go, many purists like going with a VW engine from a Jetta or similar. Or a suped up water boxer from Gowesty or a guy called tencentlife.
VanisTaN vw t3 power
We want pics!